KEY MOMENTS
Championship
- An impressive early seven-goal lead for the Southern Saints was turned over by a tenacious effort from the Gippsland Stars who fought their way back to come within one goal at the final break. The notable switch of Ramayer Gourley from goal keeper into goal shooter was a game changer for the Stars, finishing the game with 24 goals (85%). Millie Roach stood tall for the Saints to shoot 43 goals (82%) with immense support from Alex Moody and Holly Garac in the midcourt.
- A dominant second quarter for Boroondara Express has them back on the winners list after defeating the Western Warriors at home. Express’ Ruby Pekin Schlicht’s smothering defence kept the Warriors shooters quiet. Jasmine Fraser was integral for the Warriors in defence, shaking the usually stable Express shooters.
- An eight-goal triumph to the Casey Demons over Melbourne University Lightning moves them up to sixth on the ladder. As Lightning were getting themselves back into the game, a five-goal run by the Demons solidified the win. Caitlin Hill was powerful at the post with 41 goals (91%) while Maddy Stewart was consistent in her return to the Lightning. Piuti Laban was also key for the Demons in attack, connecting well with Sacha McDonald.
23&Under
- Hawks Netball had a commending start to the game leading 11-0 to the Peninsula Waves who clawed their way back into the match. The Waves were able to keep in touch, but the Hawks would have an immediate response to pull away again. Mackenzie Oracz was the workhorse for the Waves to get them back in the game through her stifling defence and being disciplined with the ball. Hawks’ Allie Davidson (25 goals, 86%) and Sienna De La Sota controlled the attack end with ease.
- In a closely contested clash between the Bendigo Strikers and Geelong Cougars, it was the Strikers who secured a hard-fought four-goal win. The Cougars held a narrow lead at halftime, but a decisive six-goal run from the Strikers shifted the momentum and set the tone for the second half. Mia McCrann-Peters was a key contributor for Bendigo, showcasing her sharp movement and timing along the baseline to score 21 goals at an impressive 95% accuracy, capitalising on the defensive efforts of Harriett Whiteacre and Eliza Mooney. For Geelong, Louise Shaw was a driving force in attack, consistently positioning on the circle edge to deliver pinpoint feeds to Eliza Dunell, who finished with 33 goals (89%).
- An impressive start to the physical encounter between North East Blaze and City West Falcons saw Blaze take an 11-goal lead into the first break. Tayisha Wallis was essential in Blaze’s midcourt, while keeping steady with the ball. Wallis was complimented by Ally Langdon who backed up her teammate with the pickups. Maddison Mckiernan’s time in the Falcons defensive circle changed the momentum into the Falcons’ favour by working on the body and blocking off Blaze’s movements, particularly on the baseline.
RESULTS
Championship
Boroondara Express (61) vs (43) Western Warriors
Gippsland Stars (53) vs (58) Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Bendigo Strikers (56) vs (43) Geelong Cougars
North East Blaze (51) vs (79) City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves (41) vs (77) Hawks Netball
Melbourne University Lightning (57) vs (65) Casey Demons
23&Under
Boroondara Express (41) vs (41) Western Warriors
Gippsland Stars (49) vs (71) Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Bendigo Strikers (51) vs (47) Geelong Cougars
North East Blaze (59) vs (52) City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves (43) vs (46) Hawks Netball
Melbourne University Lightning (57) vs (48) Casey Demons
HOT SHOT LEADERBOARDS
Championship
- 425 – Jane Cook (Falcons)
- 322 – Emma Ryde (Demons)
- 303 – Ashlea Mawer (Hawks)
23&Under
- 320 – Olivia Cawthray (Blaze)
- 220 – Charlize Gabel Joseph (Waves)
- 194 – Eliza Dunell (Cougars)
NEXT UP – ROUND 8
Wednesday 7 May
Gippsland Stars vs Bendigo Strikers
North East Blaze vs Casey Demons
Melbourne University Lightning vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Boroondara Express vs Geelong Cougars
Western Warriors vs Peninsula Waves
Hawks Netball vs City West Falcons
